Anant Ambani unites over 50 animal welfare groups under Vantara's 'Champions of Care' initiative
On World Animal Day, Anant Ambani, Executive Director at Reliance Industries Limited , announced ' Champions of Care ', a new national initiative designed to strengthen community animal welfare through practical, sustainable solutions .
Convened at Vantara in Jamnagar, Gujarat, the landmark gathering brought together more than 50 animal welfare organisations from across India, alongside key statutory advisory members, establishing a collaborative framework to elevate animal care standards nationwide.
The initiative addresses the critical needs of community animals, including street dogs, cats, abandoned livestock, and working animals such as horses and donkeys. Through targeted support in veterinary care , rescue operations , shelter facilities, and responsible population management programmes, the nationwide network is estimated to reach and support around two million animals every year.
At the heart of the movement is the simple recognition that every community animal deserves care, protection, and dignity. Speaking on the launch of the initiative, Anant Ambani highlighted the unsung dedication of grassroots caregivers who work tirelessly across the country.
"Every day, there are countless people who quietly care for animals in need, often with limited resources and little recognition, but with immense compassion," Anant Ambani said. "Their work reminds us that kindness has no boundaries and that every life deserves care, protection and dignity. Through Champions of Care, we hope to stand alongside this work, strengthen the care available to community animals and help build a more compassionate India. For us, this is what Every Life Matters truly means."
Eight members of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) participated in the event. S. P. Gupta, former Chairman and current member of the AWBI, commended the vision and leadership behind the nationwide drive.
"I deeply appreciate Shri Anant Ambani Ji’s vision and leadership in bringing Champions of Care to life," Gupta noted. "I have travelled across the world, but have rarely seen an animal care centre where such advanced facilities and technology have been made available for animals, with a level of care comparable to what we aspire to provide for people. What touched me most was his personal effort to listen to the organisations, understand their challenges on the ground and respond with practical and sustainable solutions. By bringing these organisations together, he is not only recognising their dedication but also strengthening their collective ability to care for animals. This is a meaningful step towards a more compassionate future for community animals across India."
A national framework for grassroots animal care
The two-day gathering in Jamnagar provided participating delegates with an immersive experience of advanced animal care standards. Representatives toured Vantara's specialised facilities for rescued elephants and big cats, as well as naturalistic environments housing free-roaming species such as bison, zebras, and antelopes. The experience demonstrated how excellence in veterinary medicine, nutrition, housing, and lifelong care can be applied to elevate community animal welfare.
Beyond facility tours, the gathering focused on connection, dialogue, and collaborative problem-solving among non-governmental organisations. A key milestone was the signing of a Letter of Understanding between Vantara and all participating organisations, formalising a shared commitment to strengthen community animal welfare. The understanding establishes a framework for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and practical support shaped by ground-level needs.
Towards the close of the gathering, each participating organisation was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation signed by Anant Ambani, acknowledging their tireless devotion to animal protection.
Sustainable infrastructure and nationwide collaboration
Rather than relying on short-term assistance, the initiative focuses on long-term organisational capacity and resilience. Vantara will support diverse needs identified by partner groups, including mobile veterinary services, ambulances, rescue tools, and diagnostic and treatment equipment.
To help shelters become more self-sustaining and efficient, support will cover sustainable infrastructure upgrades such as solar power systems, rainwater harvesting , and improved drainage systems. Partner organisations also plan to roll out education programmes for youth, alongside quarantine and disease management infrastructure to combat infectious diseases.
Conceived as an extension of Vantara's commitment to Every Life Matters, Champions of Care will continue expanding its network in the coming years, creating a connected, unified response to animal welfare across India.
Convened at Vantara in Jamnagar, Gujarat, the landmark gathering brought together more than 50 animal welfare organisations from across India, alongside key statutory advisory members, establishing a collaborative framework to elevate animal care standards nationwide.
The initiative addresses the critical needs of community animals, including street dogs, cats, abandoned livestock, and working animals such as horses and donkeys. Through targeted support in veterinary care , rescue operations , shelter facilities, and responsible population management programmes, the nationwide network is estimated to reach and support around two million animals every year.
At the heart of the movement is the simple recognition that every community animal deserves care, protection, and dignity. Speaking on the launch of the initiative, Anant Ambani highlighted the unsung dedication of grassroots caregivers who work tirelessly across the country.
Eight members of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) participated in the event. S. P. Gupta, former Chairman and current member of the AWBI, commended the vision and leadership behind the nationwide drive.
"I deeply appreciate Shri Anant Ambani Ji’s vision and leadership in bringing Champions of Care to life," Gupta noted. "I have travelled across the world, but have rarely seen an animal care centre where such advanced facilities and technology have been made available for animals, with a level of care comparable to what we aspire to provide for people. What touched me most was his personal effort to listen to the organisations, understand their challenges on the ground and respond with practical and sustainable solutions. By bringing these organisations together, he is not only recognising their dedication but also strengthening their collective ability to care for animals. This is a meaningful step towards a more compassionate future for community animals across India."
A national framework for grassroots animal care
The two-day gathering in Jamnagar provided participating delegates with an immersive experience of advanced animal care standards. Representatives toured Vantara's specialised facilities for rescued elephants and big cats, as well as naturalistic environments housing free-roaming species such as bison, zebras, and antelopes. The experience demonstrated how excellence in veterinary medicine, nutrition, housing, and lifelong care can be applied to elevate community animal welfare.
Beyond facility tours, the gathering focused on connection, dialogue, and collaborative problem-solving among non-governmental organisations. A key milestone was the signing of a Letter of Understanding between Vantara and all participating organisations, formalising a shared commitment to strengthen community animal welfare. The understanding establishes a framework for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and practical support shaped by ground-level needs.
Towards the close of the gathering, each participating organisation was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation signed by Anant Ambani, acknowledging their tireless devotion to animal protection.
Sustainable infrastructure and nationwide collaboration
Rather than relying on short-term assistance, the initiative focuses on long-term organisational capacity and resilience. Vantara will support diverse needs identified by partner groups, including mobile veterinary services, ambulances, rescue tools, and diagnostic and treatment equipment.
To help shelters become more self-sustaining and efficient, support will cover sustainable infrastructure upgrades such as solar power systems, rainwater harvesting , and improved drainage systems. Partner organisations also plan to roll out education programmes for youth, alongside quarantine and disease management infrastructure to combat infectious diseases.
Conceived as an extension of Vantara's commitment to Every Life Matters, Champions of Care will continue expanding its network in the coming years, creating a connected, unified response to animal welfare across India.
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